Australia is grappling with a significant shortage of registered stem cell donors, with approximately 1,000 individuals currently awaiting a suitable match for urgent medical treatment. The Leukaemia Foundation has highlighted the critical need for more young Australians to step forward as potential donors in the fight against blood cancers and other serious illnesses.
According to Bill Stavreski, head of research at the Leukaemia Foundation, stem cell transplants can be the sole treatment option for many patients suffering from conditions such as leukaemia and lymphoma. “They have a critical and urgent disease, and for many, this is the only treatment possible,” he stated in an interview with SBS Macedonian. Patients on waitlists often experience negative health outcomes due to the lack of available donors.
Stavreski emphasized that the current pool of approximately 65,000 registered donors in Australia is insufficient. “The majority of unrelated donors for Australians who are having a stem cell transplant rely on overseas donors, which is critical for many on the waitlist,” he explained. The foundation estimates that over 2,000 stem cell transplants are performed annually, yet Australia continues to depend heavily on international donor registries.
Younger Australians Can Make a Difference
Stavreski pointed out that young Australians, particularly those aged between 18 to 35, represent a key demographic for stem cell donations. “The healthiest and most populous stem cells are found in this age group,” he noted, urging younger individuals to consider donating.
Despite the life-saving potential of stem cell donation, misconceptions about the process persist. Many people remain unaware that modern donation methods have evolved significantly. “In the past, stem cells were extracted from the hip bone, which was quite painful. That is no longer the case,” Stavreski clarified.
Today, the donation process is considerably less invasive and can be completed in under an hour. “It is like donating blood from one arm,” he explained. “The blood is drawn, a machine separates the stem cells, and the remaining blood is returned through the other arm. No additional needles or anaesthetic are required.”
Diversity in Donor Registries Is Crucial
Ancestry plays a vital role in the effectiveness of stem cell transplants. Most current donors are of Western European descent, which poses challenges for patients from diverse backgrounds. “It’s important to reflect the population in Australia,” Stavreski stressed.
To ensure the best outcomes, matching stem cells with recipients is crucial. “If the transplant does not have a perfect match from a donor, it simply cannot happen,” he added. This lack of representation in donor registries could significantly impact treatment options for patients of various ethnicities and First Nations backgrounds.
The Leukaemia Foundation is calling for greater awareness and participation in stem cell donation initiatives. By increasing the number of registered donors, particularly among younger Australians, the foundation aims to alleviate the critical shortages currently facing the country.
For more information on how to donate and support those in need, interested individuals can visit the Leukaemia Foundation’s official website.
